Return to The Reign of Mary No. 152
The Reign of Mary
Vol. XLIV, No. 152: Letter from the Editor
December 1, 2013
First Sunday of Advent
Dear friends in Our Lady,
Praised be Jesus and Mary. During the season of Advent, we prepare our hearts for the celebration of Our Lord’s birth in Bethlehem. Let us be certain to prepare well to worthily celebrate His birth, not only by extra prayer, spiritual reading and penance, but especially by avoiding the spirit of the world. For Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world.”
Sadly, there are many who try to combine the spirit of the world with their faith, but the two are incompatible. And perhaps that is why so many have changed their faith — in order to accommodate the world.
The Incarnate Word entered the world at a time when men’s hearts were yearning for the truth. As Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life.” Yet is our world any less in need of His teaching, His mercy and His grace? Sadly, the world is far worse off than it was 2,000 years ago, for He has come and has been rejected by the vast majority. Jesus “came unto His own, and His own received Him not.” Tragically, this continues to happen today, when so many who call themselves Catholics do not accept His gospel of renouncement of sin and of the spirit of the world. Let us not be among their number.
Our recent Fatima Conference was perhaps the best-attended, at least in recent memory. It is always such a joy for us to visit with fellow Catholics who share our convictions, especially at a time when so many of our relatives and acquaintances have abandoned the Faith of our fathers for a new religion. Let us always treasure the support we receive from our fellow Catholics, and in our turn do all we can to encourage others.
Remember, that to encourage others, to give a good example, and to pray for those who are struggling are spiritual works of mercy. We all know the corporal works of mercy, but how many can recite by heart the spiritual works of mercy? But these latter are even more important than the former. Perhaps this would be the best resolution we can make during Advent — to read through the works of mercy and choose one or more that we will especially strive to put into practice.
Certainly it is not easy to bear wrongs patiently, to forgive all injuries, etc., but that is what Jesus taught us by His example. Remember, “The disciple is not above his master.” As we look upon the Divine Infant in the nativity set in our home or church, let us reflect on all that He came to teach us. And let us always strive to be worthy to be called His disciples.
May God bless you all.
In the service of Jesus and Mary
Fr. Benedict Hughes, CMRI
(Email Father)